A Crying Shame (136 page)

Your doctor friends don't agree,” Mike reminded the mercenary.

I am aware of their feelings.”

Saucier shook his head.
Governor Parker is dead. I got the word on the radio on the way out here. And I doubt he paid you in full. You owe nothing to anyone, Jon.”

Jon shrugged.
I am sorry about his death. I think he was an honorable man. As honorable as a man in politics can be, that is. As for the money ... half in advance. But I still took it, and I owe the citizens that.”

Mike looked around the room, at the people seated there, his eyes briefly touching each person. Drs. Lewis and von Pappen, Debbie, Linda, Tammy. They shook their heads
no.”

The Links have gone wild. They attacked two fishermen early this morning ... other side of the swamp. Not even in this parish. Killed them. Ate them. Les Blackwell is dead; deathbed statement laid it on Ralph Hunter at the funeral home. Claims Ralph is actually one of the Links's kids. Attacked him with a scalpel. Cut him to ribbons.”

Mike put his hat on his head, adjusting it to his liking, slightly cocked to one side.
All right, people, I've got a parish to evac.”

Mike?” Jon's voice stopped him in a half-turn.

Yes?”

Why do you wear Photograys constantly? I can tell they have no correction in them. You never take them off.”

Mike's smile was knowing. He had been anticipating that question.
I wondered when you'd get around to asking that. You think I'm also one of the Links's offspring, don't you?”

The thought has occurred to me, yes.”

Mike removed his glasses. His eyes were a dark brown, almost black.
I'm very sensitive to light. The local eye doctors put me in them a long time ago.”